Toronto Raptors release 2 players

During the off-season, the Toronto Raptors made a multi-player trade with the Sacramento Kings.

As part of the deal, the Raptors acquired Sash Vezenkov.

On Monday, the Raptors announced they have parted ways with Vezenkov and Javon Freeman-Liberty (courtesy of Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy).

Via Murphy: “The Raptors have released Sasha Vezenkov and Javon Freeman-Liberty.”

Via Murphy: “Freeman-Liberty was only guaranteed $100,000. It would have been $150,000 tomorrow, and $800,000 if he made the opening day roster. He’ll be interested in the league as a 2-way.

Vezenkov is now free to sign in Greece, or wherever. We await the buyout # to determine the cap impact for Raps.”

Vezenkov finished his rookie year in the NBA (with the Kings) with averages of 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds per game while connecting on 44.0% of his shots and making 37.5% of his three-pointers in 42 games.

Spotrac’s Keith Smith provided more details about his situation.

Via Smith: Sasha Vezenkov gave up his entire $6.6 million salary in a buyout deal with the Toronto Raptors, a league source says. @spotrac.”

Meanwhile, Freeman-Liberty (who was also a rookie) averaged 7.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while connecting on 44.4% of his shots and making 23.8% of his three-pointers in 22 games for the Raptors.

The Raptors finished the 2023–24 season as the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 25–57 record.

They missed the NBA playoffs for the second straight season, but they have a talented roster, led by RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes.